Quote:
Originally Posted by faroreefer  1 have a GLO fixture with 2x39w T5's. My tank is 18Hx36Wx12D. I should be ok to try some corals? Being in a remote location, myLFS is quite expensive...I want to make sure things will be OK. |
Your going to need more than 78 total watts for a 30 gallon = 2.6 watts per gallon , your not even to 1 full watt yet per gallon
Rule of thumb' if wanting even the easiest of soft corals to try sis to have ATLEAST 4 watts per gallon
and some beleave as i do to purchase above what you expect to use / need for that 30 gallon you have now.
because you can always cycle on what you need and you have a larger virity
of corals to choose from if you have the light to supply to them .
All to many times , beginners/ novices "under buy" lighting systems only to realize they need more light' because their intrest has grown to wanting clams, xenia, stony's etc.
And you would be supprised how much light corals need to survive and grow .
I would suggest nothing less than power compacts / T5's atleast to 260 total wattage , you can set them half/half or to full day light , depending on your needs'
( I'm trying to save you money in the long run ) if you under buy you'll see dust collect on the ones that didint provide the light needed for your corals.
If you need light's ive got 2 set of some real nice power compacts in their own case with cooling fans . that would do real nice . and extra bulbs ( ive been there brother lol )